Exhibits and Programs

Exhibits

The two-room museum at the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park includes both original artifacts and interpretive exhibits relating to Edison’s major inventions at Menlo Park. The themes covered include:

Establishment of the world’s first research and development laboratory

Perfection of the incandescent light bulb

Development of a complete electrical distribution system

Invention and progression of the phonograph, the invention that earned Edison the title of the “Wizard of Menlo Park”

Twentieth century commemoration of Edison’s accomplishments

Artifacts include a model of Edison’s laboratory, early phonographs and light bulbs, historic photographs, and a Menlo Park era electric generator or “dynamo.” Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour of the museum’s collections, hear a demonstration of one of the historic phonographs, and try some hands-on demonstrations. The museum provides guided tours to a wide variety of visitors–students from kindergarten to high school, senior citizens, professionals, families, scouts, summer campers, and many others, from across America and around the world. These tours, which are tailored to the specific audience, can be scheduled either for days when the museum is open (Thursday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Special requests can be made for large tours, 10 or more, on other weekdays.

In addition to touring the museum, visitors may also walk the grounds in order to:

See the foundations of Edison’s office and library building

See the 1925 Menlo Park Memorial Tablet and the 1947 Edison Centennial Plaque

Explore the 36-acre Edison State Park along a nature trail adjacent to the museum